You know that feeling when you finish a reality TV binge and immediately start scrubbing Instagram to see who actually survived? Temptation Island Season 9 (which many fans still call Season 4 because of the USA Network reboot numbering) was a particularly brutal ride. We watched seven-year relationships crumble in weeks while "gym crushes" somehow found the path to an altar.
But reality TV is a vacuum. What happens when the cameras stop rolling and these people have to go back to Seattle or New York or Florida is usually where the real mess begins. Honestly, most people think the "winners" are the ones who stayed together. In this season’s case? The real winners might be the ones who finally had the courage to walk away.
Alexa and Lino: The Surprise Success Story
If you’d asked me mid-season who was going to make it, I’m not sure I would’ve put all my chips on Alexa Santamaria and Lino Troisi. They weren't exactly the loudest couple. Lino felt like he was constantly in Alexa’s shadow, and she was a travel nurse who was basically ready for a ring yesterday.
But guess what? They’re actually doing it.
Not only did they leave the island engaged, but they’ve stayed the course in a way few couples in this franchise ever do. As of early 2026, they are deep in the weeds of wedding planning. They’ve locked in a date for fall 2026 in Sorrento, Italy. Lino finally got over that feeling of being "second best," and they’ve been living their best lives in Florida, staying close to family. They are basically the poster children for the show actually "working," even if their journey wasn't as explosive as the others.
The Iris and Luke Rollercoaster Finally Stopped
This one is a bummer for the fans who rooted for them. Iris Jardiel and Luke Wechselberger had that "against all odds" energy. Luke went from being roasted by the singles for being a "douchebag" to buying a ring and proposing at the final bonfire. We all wanted to believe the growth was real.
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It wasn't. At least, not the permanent kind.
They had a very public, very messy falling out after the cameras left. Iris eventually dropped the bomb on a podcast that things had ended for good. There were allegations of Luke being flirtatious with other women on social media—the very thing that brought them to the island in the first place. They even tried a "reconciliation trip" to Thailand, which sounds romantic until you find out Iris allegedly discovered he was still seeing other women during the trip.
Basically, they’re done. Iris has moved on with a new guy named Ryan, and honestly? She seems way lighter. You can see it in her content. Sometimes a "happily ever after" at a bonfire is just a temporary high before the old habits kick back in.
Ash and Hania: The Burlesque and Gardening Era
Let’s talk about the most chaotic duo: Ash Lamiroult and Hania Stocker.
Hania came in pitching an open relationship and left trying to propose as a "sorry" for his behavior. Ash, meanwhile, was busy making out behind a literal wall of pillows with a single named Taylor. It was peak television.
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Where are they now? Living completely separate lives.
- Ash is leaning into their art. They’ve been performing burlesque, doing high-end cosplay, and spending a ton of time in Las Vegas. They’re very vocal about being single and focusing on self-discovery.
- Hania has stayed pretty quiet. He’s back in New Mexico, focusing on his gardening business.
The most "Temptation Island" thing to ever happen? After the show, Taylor (the single Ash connected with) allegedly gave them a fake phone number. Talk about a reality check.
Lascelles and Ashley: Seven Years for Nothing?
It’s hard to watch a seven-year relationship die on TV. Lascelles Lagares and Ashley Rodriguez were "the" couple of the season until Lascelles fell for Trace in about five minutes.
The reunion was a bloodbath. Lascelles tried to play both sides, telling Ashley he still loved her while still pursuing Trace. It didn't work. Trace moved on, and Ashley—thankfully—realized her worth.
Ashley is currently in a serious relationship with a celebrity stylist named Roderick Hawthorne. They’ve been together for a while now, and while there were some rumors about an engagement because of a ring photo, she clarified they’re just taking it one day at a time. She looks happier than she ever did on that island. Lascelles? He’s still doing the fitness and modeling thing, but the "power couple" energy he bragged about is long gone.
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What Really Happened with Gillian and Edgar?
Gillian Lieberman and Edgar De Santiago were the youngest couple, and it showed. The promise ring drama felt like high school, but the pain was real. Edgar eventually left with Marissa, which felt like a massive betrayal to Gillian at the time.
But if you look at them now, there’s no bad blood. They don't post each other, and they aren't dating, but they've reached a place of mutual respect. Edgar and Marissa didn't last—shocker—but the experience forced both Gillian and Edgar to grow up. Gillian has been focusing on her career and looks like she’s completely put the "Island" drama in the rearview mirror.
The Reality Check
If you’re looking for a takeaway from Season 9, it’s that the island doesn't "fix" anyone. It just magnifies what’s already there. Alexa and Lino had a solid foundation, so they built a house on it. Everyone else had cracks, and the island turned those cracks into canyons.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Follow the Wedding: Keep an eye on Alexa’s social media as we head toward Fall 2026. If you want to see a Temptation Island wedding actually happen, she’s your only hope.
- Audit the Singles: Many of the singles from this season, like Deac Conti, are still active in the reality TV circuit. If you miss the mess, that’s where to find it.
- Watch the "After Show": If you haven't seen the YouTube-only "After Show" episodes for this season, go back and find them. They contain much more context on why the Luke/Iris breakup was inevitable.